PepsiCo Admits Connection to Palm Oil Labor Abuses - FreedomUnited.org

PepsiCo Admits Connection to Palm Oil Labor Abuses

  • Published on
    January 24, 2018
  • News Source Image
  • Category:
    Debt Bondage, Forced Labor, Partner Spotlight, Supply Chain
Hero Banner

PepsiCo has publicly admitted that its palm oil supply chain is connected to labor abuses in Indonesia. The company has partially suspended procurement from IndoAgri, one of Indonesia’s largest palm oil suppliers following reports of child labor and exploitation on their plantations.

In 2016, an investigation by San Francisco-based Rainforest Action Network (RAN), Indonesian labor rights group OPPUK and Washington-based International Labor Rights Forum found worker abuses on plantations operated by Singapore-listed Indofood Agri Resources (IndoAgri). Interivewed workers spoke of using dangerous chemical fertilizers, severe underpayment, and the presence of child labor on IndoAgri’s plantations in North Sumatra.

IndoAgri is a subsidiary of Indonesian food manufacturer Indofood, which produces PepsiCo’s snacks in Indonesia under a joint venture partnership. This partnership is still intact despite the report’s findings.

In a press release, Rainforest Action Network stressed that Indofood must do more to improve conditions on plantations owned by its subsidiary:

“After years of denial, PepsiCo has admitted to the high risks associated with its palm oil supply chain and business partner. Its partnership with Indofood is marred by years of labor violations and other practices that have produced nothing but Conflict Palm Oil for PepsiCo-branded snack foods.

In a public statement today, PepsiCo revealed it has partially suspended palm oil procurement from IndoAgri, the palm oil subsidiary of its joint venture partner Indofood. At the same time however, PepsiCo continues its business partnership with the parent company Indofood without consequence.

PepsiCo must be willing to move beyond acknowledging the exploitation and set binding preconditions that Indofood must meet to remain a joint venture partner, starting with addressing labor abuses on its plantations in North Sumatra.”

In its public statement, PepsiCo maintained that it is “very concerned about the allegations that our policies and commitments on palm oil, forestry stewardship and human rights are not being met.”

Indonesia is the world’s top producer of palm oil, though its rapid expansion across the country has meant the destruction of vast stretches of rainforests and wildlife habitats, displacing many local communities.

Freedom United is interested in hearing from our community and welcomes relevant, informed comments, advice, and insights that advance the conversation around our campaigns and advocacy. We value inclusivity and respect within our community. To be approved, your comments should be civil.

stop icon A few things we do not tolerate: comments that promote discrimination, prejudice, racism, or xenophobia, as well as personal attacks or profanity. We screen submissions in order to create a space where the entire Freedom United community feels safe to express and exchange thoughtful opinions.

guest
6 Comments
Most Voted
Newest Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Karin Yates
Karin Yates
5 years ago

Ah, yes; what a little outside pressure can do.

Jeff Creque
Jeff Creque
5 years ago

Palm oil in food products is invariably rancid by the time it reaches the consumer; in addition, commercial palm oil contains lipophilic pesticide residues. Palm oil should not be used in edible products and consumers should not buy food products containing palm oil.

Gabriele
Gabriele
5 years ago

bravo !

Gabriele
Gabriele
5 years ago

bravo

Ted Bjorem
5 years ago

I have visited sinaramas in Indo. They have the highest socio/ethical standards, use no chemicals in weed or pest control, all natural. Create community centres for their employees and since palm oil trees have a 35 yr life span, set up so the workers can then farm.

This week

E.U. market will be tainted with forced labor without strong legislation

A report published on December 6 commissioned by a group of E.U. lawmakers warns that “a substantial volume of apparel tainted by Uyghur forced labor is moving into the E.U. without restriction.” The report indicates how E.U. policy does not do enough to weed out forced labor from large supply chains and, therefore, does not protect consumers from buying products made with Uyghur forced labor, according to The Guardian. Implication by state-sponsored

| Wednesday December 6, 2023

Read more